Pound, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, said yesterday he believes one-third of all NHL players use performance enhancing substances.

Ference said he's offended by the allegation.

"I wish I knew where he was coming from and where his expertise is on it," he said. "To my knowledge, he doesn't have access to 700 urine samples and for him to put one-third of players on a list as cheaters is a bit offending.

"But what can you do? It's a statement and tests will prove otherwise.

"It's a pretty broad, sweeping statement for him to make and I'm not sure where he's getting his information from."

As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, players are subject to a minimum of two tests a year without warning. First-time offenders will receive a 20-game suspension, with 60 games for a second offence and lifetime ban upon a third failed test.

"We have a lot of players who are Olympic hopefuls and are getting tested as we speak," Ference said. "So the education is there and we know what's banned and what's not. And what's banned is pretty much everything ... It's a long list of stuff."

A handful of players have admitted to using steroids over the years, among them former enforcer Dave Morissette.

Flames president Ken King said he doesn't believe one-third of NHLers are using performance enhancing substances.

"I have no evidence to support our players are on performance enhancing substances. My experience is there are not any players."